How cold is too cold to run outside?

[GodSpeed999]

It's been -18C (0F) here this past week, -30C (-22F) with the wind chill, and the boys are getting a little bored of setting up "off road" courses in the basement and they want to drive the Jeep out in the snow.

I've been hesitant to let them since it's so bloody cold outside. Doesn't seem like it would be good for the battery, motor, electronics and plastic parts....etc.

Thoughts?

[JesterSpec]

I've driven in -14 F or colder temps. My radio screen didn't work it was that cold.

[rebuilder]

the big problem with the cold, is plastic parts...they break like glass when it's that cold...there is also a trick if you don't want the snow to stick to the truck! Leave it outside to cool off before you start running it! I usually don't run my scales in the snow as it's a pain in the butt to clean after...but I do have my Heng Long tank that is a ton of fun to drive in the snow...

[Olle P]

* The electronics generally LOVE cold weather, except for the battery that lose some voltage and power (and LCD, if there's one on the transmitter).
* If it's very cold the lubricants (oil and grease) will be harder, which might influence driving and steering.
* Plastic can become brittle. Depends on what plastic material it is and the temperature.
* The finger work required for driving while wearing mittens does impede what can be done.
* Having good tires helps.

[Wraith913]

I've driven in -30c lots and besides the tires getting really hard I don't have any issues

[Postclanker]

Originally Posted by Dig_race

I can tell you if it was -22 my butt would be inside lol

Ya, I'd be waiting on spring

[scotte]

I live in northern Canada, coldest the truck has been out in is -33 or something, just cold haha I was sitting at my dining room table looking out the window in my pyjamas tho haha, like the fella from Sweden said plastic is the biggest thing to worry about it becomes brittle. Your grease and oil wouldn't be too much of a worry as the truck was warm before it went outside so the grease should stay at operating temp from driving. I've heard of people using a silicone spray to keep the snow from sticking, haven't had too big of a problem myself.

All the same my roommate had a Kyosho Blizzard and we used to run that thing in the coldest of temps up here (down to around -50 with windchill) and that thing held up great, plastic arm broke in one join after like 30 packs through it.

[Olle P]

At -30C my biggest problem would be fingers freezing. That's why I tend not to drive the few days per year it's that cold around here.

[GodSpeed999]

Thanks for all the replies.

The boys stay inside and drive it from the family room window. Lots of fun in the snow!

[Starlite033]

Hey

Fellow Great White Northerner here. I have to agree with the other Canadians. I have driven in extremely cold temperatures and the only things I worry about is the plastic. I try much harder not to hit things in the cold but otherwise no issues.

I actually waterproofed my kids Shortcourse Trucks so we could run them all winter long. Once we're done I clean them off in the laundry sink, let them dry and relube them. I think the bearing aren't impressed but they're just beaters. I rebuild them once a year and they keep working fine.

Enjoy the cold.

Star

[GodSpeed999]

Speaking of the bearings, mine are well lubed with marine grease, but I also noticed you can get a complete SCX10 bearing kit from Avid RC for $22.

[chopfather]

When it's too cold here we just set up a small course and break out the micro crawlers.

[maslin]

Double Deuces turn to rocks around 5 degrees. Motor and ESC love it though!

[grayguy]

I have run In about - 15f. I just am more careful about banging it around.

[wileynl]

I've ran in -25C all last winter, this winters been milder, running anywhere from -5 to -15, just try not to go over the rock faces tumbling lol
eastern canada

[Crawling Calvin]

If your worried about your batteries freezing and loosing power you could wrap them up in a little "insulation" like a towel or similar and toss one of those little chemical hand-warmers inbetween the layers to keep them warm. I remember being at a comp in the high-desert and it was MISERABLE out there the first day and everyone had chemical hand warmers with them to keep their batteries from freezing as well as their hands

[crashtestdummy]

One snow tip, hose the truck down with wd40 ahead of time to keep the iron parts from rusting. This even works afterword as long as you catch it while the rust is just beginning.

[sdmf]

Originally Posted by crashtestdummy

One snow tip, hose the truck down with wd40 ahead of time to keep the iron parts from rusting. This even works afterword as long as you catch it while the rust is just beginning.

That is a bad idea, wd40 is notorious for having a high affinity to dirt and dust. While you may get some rust prevention, the mix of oil and dirt will create an abrasive paste. WD40 is also not the best on plastics, using a dry silicone lube is unbeatable, as it shouldn't have any issues on plastics, doesn't attract dust nearly as much as wd40, and still provides excellent rust protection, and basic lubrication.

When it comes down to it, do it if its all you got, but there are way better options.

[Pgambardella]

You'll know if it's too cold outside when the magic smoke appears from your rig

Originally Posted by Wraith913

I've driven in -30c lots and besides the tires getting really hard I don't have any issues

You sir, are truly devoted to the hobby.

[fr8cture]

too cold when your toes fall off....